One of the best parts of my job is to make special stained glass windows for clients. One such project recently was to make a pair of front door panels for a beautiful listed property in Wickham, Hampshire.

This late medieval timber-framed house sits just in front of the former Wickham Brewery building, which operated as a brewery from the 1830s to 1910. Once known as Brewery Cottage and the home of the brewery manager, the current owner wanted to mark the brewing history with stained glass designs in his front door. He provided images of the rear view of the brewery building (now converted into residential homes) and some stoneware beer flagons that he wanted included.

After a visit to the clients with various glass samples and having had a discussion about their wishes, I set about designing the door panels. To tie the design together and provide more interest I suggested including barley ears on each panel to reference the beer made at the brewery. As the central features were going to be fairly detailed I kept to a simple but effective curved background design. Once the clients had approved it, I had the design printed at full size and began work.

There were various techniques used in the construction of these windows, including traditional stained glass methods in keeping with the listed property, hand-painted glass for the lettering on the flagon and barley ears, as well as tiny copper foiled and soldered pieces to make up the barley ears.

The stained glasses chosen had gentle textures for privacy but were light enough to keep the hallway bright.

Local company Fareham Glass removed the old glazing and fitted the new panels in the existing front door.

I was very happy with how the panels turned out and their new owners were delighted. If you have an idea for your own bespoke stained glass project, do get in touch.